Aerospace & Defense Technology - August 2021 - 33

Tech Briefs
model was evaluated using the selected
process model software. Aspects
observed included logical flow
of events, event duration, decision
probabilities, number of uses of each
decision node, accuracy of feedback
loops, and overall utility of the model
to range managers.
The research evaluated current
modeling approaches used by the
acoustic range through the collection
of relevant decision and process data
used to control range events. The
main sources were existing range control
policy documents and information
collected from range managers. A
simplified block-diagram model representing
a routine acoustic range event
was developed, as well as a formal
process model using simulation software
capable of replicating the simplified
process model. Conduct of multiple
model runs determined that the
model could identify high-value decision
nodes.
This work was done by William Carlson
for the Naval Postgraduate School. For
more information, download the Technical
Support Package (free white
paper) at www.aerodefensetech.com/
tsp under the DAQ, Testing & Sensors
category. NPS-0018
Test and Evaluation of Autonomy for
Air Platforms
Tools, approaches, and insights to confidently approach the
safe, secure, effective, and efficient testing of autonomy on air
platforms.
Air Force Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California
T
he 2018 National Defense Strategy
emphasizes that the effective
implementation of autonomy is essential
for future engagements. Key to
this implementation is the ability to
test and evaluate systems that perform
autonomous tasks. The purpose
of this research is to equip testers
with tools, approaches, and insights
to confidently approach the testing
of autonomy on air platforms. The air
domain is chosen specifically for its
applicability to the Air Force mission
and to help scope the focus of this research.
The intent is not to be an exhaustive
reference for testing and
evaluating autonomy; rather, the goal
is to provide a launching point for
greater investigation.
Testing autonomy on airborne platforms
brings unique challenges and,
therefore, to be successful, testing
should leverage the following five
principles: Early User Involvement,
Continuous and Cumulative Feedback,
Streamlined Process and Products,
Pilot Training Approach, and
Human-Machine Interaction ConsidAerospace
& Defense Technology, August 2021
Intro
Cov
eration. The overarching test approach
is split into two paradigms:
three phases of test and Agile Development
and Operations (DevOps).
First, the current flight test paradigm
of plan, execute, and analyze
(three phases) is reexamined through
the lens of testing autonomy. Of the
three phases, executing a test of autonomy
is currently the biggest challenge
within the test community. The
goal of any test, and of autonomy in
particular, is that it is safe, secure, effective,
and efficient. Therefore, the
optimal test execution of an autonomous
task or mission should include
some type of run time assurance,
live-virtual-constructive, open
systems architecture, and a surrogate
platform.
To support the execution of autonomy
testing that is responsive and
timely, a close pairing of the planning
and analysis phases is recommended.
Different approaches, like design of experiments,
human factors considerations,
hardware-in-the-loop, and systems
theoretic process analysis, are
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